definite description

A definite description is a phrase that refers to a specific, clearly identifiable thing or person, usually introduced with words like "the" (e.g., "the tallest building"). It presupposes that there is exactly one unique entity that fits the description. For example, in "the author of Harry Potter," it’s assumed there is a single person who is uniquely identified by that role. If no such entity exists, or if more than one matches the description, the statement or reference becomes problematic or ambiguous. Definite descriptions are important in language and philosophy because they specify particular things within communication.